2025 Board Candidates

Russ Beerling

Biography:

I am seeking re-election to the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors, where I currently serve as a board member. During my first term, I’ve worked to better understand the Co-op system and build stronger communication with our members. I’m passionate about continuing this work and helping guide the Co-op through sustainable growth and deeper community engagement.

I bring over two decades of board and leadership experience. I’ve served as Chair of Community Futures Peace Liard and completed two terms as a director on the Community Futures BC Board. I’ve also led organizations including the Dawson Creek and Fort St. John Chambers of Commerce, and the United Way of Northern BC, where I spent 17 years, including time as Chair.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve owned and operated several businesses including Moose FM, EnergeticCity.ca, Steel Toes Workwear (Fort Nelson), ESR Business Solutions Inc., and currently, Big Ideas Marketing Company. I now serve as the Regional Business Liaison and Export Navigator Advisor for Community Futures Peace Liard, supporting businesses with strategic planning, funding, marketing, and the integration of AI tools.

My passion for community, business development, and regional growth continues to drive my involvement. I look forward to the opportunity to serve another term and help take the Fort St. John Co-op to the next level.

Mitchel Chilcott

Biography:
I’ve lived in Fort St John since 2000 and have seen the transformation of the Fort St John Co-op Association—from a struggling organization to a strong, relevant, and community-focused business. It’s been rewarding to witness its revitalization and the positive impact it continues to have on its members and the broader community.

My involvement with Co-ops began early in my career, working as a grocery and lumberyard clerk with Borderland Co-op. Later, while farming in Saskatchewan, I served as a Director for the Welwyn Co-op. Since moving to Fort St John, I’ve spent over 10 years on the Fort St John Co-op Board, including several years as Board Chair.

I bring a broad background in finance, governance, and leadership. Professionally, I’ve held roles with Credit Unions and Scotiabank, which have given me insight into financial management and community-based business practices. I hold a Master of Business Administration and am a Certified Professional Accountant. I’ve also gained valuable board experience through my involvement with the North Peace Seniors Housing Society and the Fort St John and District Chamber of Commerce.

I believe in the Co-op model and the role it plays in building strong, resilient communities. I am committed to supporting continued growth, sound governance, and ensuring the Co-op remains responsive to its members' needs. If elected, I will bring experience, accountability, and a focus on long-term sustainability to the Board.

Thank you for your consideration.

Hello, friends and neighbours. I’m honoured to put my name forward as a candidate for the Fort St. John Co-op Board of Directors.

I’ve proudly called Fort St. John home for over ten years, and my roots go back to my family’s farm in rural Saskatchewan. My great-grandparents built that farm, and during my brother’s and my lifetime, it’ll be recognized as a century farm. Growing up farming shaped who I am: I was raised to value hard work, honesty, and helping your neighbour; values that have stuck with me and that I see reflected in the Co-op.

I believe strongly in giving back to the community. Over the years, I’ve volunteered with local non-profits and events that bring our region together. I serve on the boards of the North Peace Historical Society and the Fort St. John Public Library, and I’m also known to sell a few pies every year at the North Peace Fall Fair with the community arts council.

In my professional life, I work as an Engagement Advisor for Northern BC, where I partner with rural and remote communities to listen, build relationships, and support local solutions. I bring experience in governance and financial accountability, always with a focus on doing what’s right for the long haul.

I see the Co-op as more than a business—it’s a great place to fuel up (with an awesome car wash), a supporter of local families, and a reflection of our shared values. Like many of you, I believe in supporting local, investing in our future, and looking out for one another. That’s the kind of integrity I’ll bring to the board.

Thank you for considering me, and I’d be proud to earn your support.

President of Northern Waste Water Systems and Northern Industrial Camp Maintenance of Fort St John, BC

For the past 50 years I have lived and worked (for the most part) in the Peace River area of Northeast BC. During those years I have worked in the trades; starting out doing carpentry, and then transitioning into the mechanical trades about 25 years ago. In 1993 I started setting up remote industrial camps and in 2004 started my own company. By 2010 servicing industrial camps was becoming an obsolete endeavor so we moved into the waste water treatment industry full-time.

I have held a director’s position with Western Canada Onsite Wastewater Management Association for 6 years and now, in addition to my regular work, I am mentoring the next generation of Waste Water Practitioners. I believe that my experience in governance can be of benefit to the Fort St John Co-op.